What is a key feature of a Trojan horse virus?

A Trojan horse virus is a type of malicious software that disguises itself as a legitimate program or file, leading users to believe it is safe to use. This deceptive nature makes it particularly dangerous, as it can gain access to a system without raising immediate suspicion. Users might download and run the Trojan, thinking they are installing a harmless application, but upon execution, it can perform harmful activities in the background.

This characteristic—appearing harmless until executed—distinguishes it from other types of malware that may immediately present harmful effects or self-replicate. In contrast to viruses that replicate or immediately inflict damage, Trojans rely on user interaction to activate their malicious payload, which often involves stealing information, creating backdoors, or even installing additional malware.